AOBOG OB-GYN
AOA Osteopathic Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology - OB/GYN Primary Written Exam
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The AOA Osteopathic Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology is the specialty board credential conferred by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG), an AOA specialty certifying board, for osteopathic physicians in OB/GYN. The certification pathway includes a primary written exam plus a primary oral exam, with subspecialty exams offered in Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, and the newly launched Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgery. The AOBOG publishes exam registration, exam dates and deadlines, remote exam preparation, board policies, and test accommodation information, and candidates apply and register through the AOA My Certification Center portals. Once certified, physicians maintain the credential through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), which includes a longitudinal assessment component. Preparation should begin with the AOBOG eligibility and certification-process materials, then build a study plan spanning the two broad content areas of obstetrics and gynecology, using primary literature and current practice guidance rather than question-bank recall alone. Confirm all dates, deadlines, and application requirements directly with AOBOG, since scheduling and policy details change. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AOBOG or the AOA.
What you'll study
About AOBOG OB-GYN preparation
What does the AOBOG OB/GYN certification process involve?
AOBOG lists a certification process that includes a primary written exam and a primary oral exam, followed by maintenance through Osteopathic Continuous Certification. Subspecialty exams are offered separately in Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, and Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgery. Review the AOBOG certification process page for current sequence and eligibility.
When is the next primary written exam?
AOBOG lists the 2027 OB/GYN Primary Written Exam for April 14-16, 2027. Oral and subspecialty exams appear on separate schedules, including Nov. 6-7, 2026 and April 29 - May 2, 2027. Deadlines are posted on the AOBOG exam dates and deadlines page and can change, so verify before applying.
How do I apply and register?
Applications and registrations are handled through the AOA My Certification Center portals. AOBOG's site provides quick links to apply for an exam, view exam results, and register for longitudinal assessment. Confirm eligibility criteria and required documentation on the AOBOG registration pages before submitting.
How is the written exam structured?
AOBOG does not publish item counts, time limits, or passing scores on the pages reviewed here, so treat any specific figures you hear secondhand with caution. The written exam is a computer-based multiple-choice format; AOBOG publishes remote exam preparation guidance and board policies that describe exam-day logistics. Check AOBOG directly for current format details.
What content should I prioritize when studying?
The exam spans obstetrics and gynecology broadly, so build a plan that covers both rather than over-investing in one. Start with high-volume, high-yield areas such as antenatal care, labor and delivery complications, and common gynecologic conditions, then add subspecialty topics and osteopathic principles. Use current practice guidance and primary literature as your evidence base.
What are common reasons candidates struggle?
Frequent problems include unbalanced preparation that neglects either obstetrics or gynecology, relying on recalled questions instead of reasoning from guidelines, and underestimating the oral exam's case-based discussion. Practicing structured verbal case presentations and articulating management rationale out loud is useful preparation for the oral component.
What happens if I do not pass?
AOBOG does not publish retake policy details on the pages reviewed here. Retake rules, waiting periods, and fees are governed by AOBOG board policies. Contact AOBOG directly or review the board policies and FAQs pages for the current retake process before assuming a timeline.
How do I maintain certification after passing?
Certification is maintained through Osteopathic Continuous Certification, which AOBOG organizes into components including a longitudinal assessment completed through the AOA learning portal, along with CME requirements. Log in to the physician portal to track OCC components and confirm your current requirements.
Can I request test accommodations?
Yes. AOBOG lists a test accommodations page among its exam resources. Candidates who need accommodations should review that page and follow the stated request process early, since accommodation requests typically require documentation and advance approval before the exam date.
What is the OMT Designation?
AOBOG offers an OMT Designation listed among its certification options, reflecting osteopathic manipulative treatment within the OB/GYN specialty. Review the OMT Designation page for eligibility and requirements if you intend to pursue it alongside or after primary certification.